Friday, November 30, 2012

The ADAP Advocacy
Association, also known as aaa+,
encourages people living with
HIV/AIDS, their families and supporters to remain vigilant on World AIDS Day.Despite the tremendous progress achieved over
the last year to eliminate waiting lists under AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, there
remain nearly one hundred people living with HIV/AIDS being denied access to
appropriate, timely care and treatment. Celebrating World AIDS Day should represent an
important first step in the coming year to completely eliminate ADAP waiting
lists nationwide.

“World AIDS Day is a time to reflect
on the struggles, challenges, as well as accomplishments achieved over the
decades-long fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Brandon M. Macsata,
CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association.“There
is no better example in recent times than what we’ve witnessed over the last 10
years with literally thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS being denied
access to the care and treatment in the United States, that we know will keep
them healthy, productive members of their communities.The fight over eliminating ADAP
waiting lists has experienced some highs, and lows, but moving forward we need
to remain focused on ensuring that not one single person is refused life-saving
medication under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.”

aaa+ and ADAP stakeholders are grateful for the
additional $48.3 million appropriated toward the cash-strapped ADAPs this year
– which includes the $35.0 million in additional funding announced by President
Obama on December 1, 2011.According to
Macsata, however, ADAPs need approximately $190 million in additional funding
over current levels to eliminate the years of structural funding deficits, as
well as keep pace with current demand.[1]

As of November 15th, there were 87 individuals in 5 states on ADAP
waiting lists, including 8 people in Idaho, 58 people inLouisiana and 21 people inSouth
Dakota.